One Month Away: The Bittersweet Countdown to Graduation

In just one month, I’ll be walking across the stage, turning my tassel, and officially saying goodbye to a chapter that has meant everything to me. Graduation is so close I can feel it—and with that comes a strange, emotional cocktail of excitement, fear, hope, and a whole lot of nostalgia.

Knoxville has been my home for the past four years. It’s where I found my people, discovered my passions, and grew into the person I am today. I’ve made memories in the quiet corners of campus, on game days in Neyland, during late-night study sessions, and in the small, unexpected moments that stitched themselves into the fabric of everyday life here. Leaving that behind is surreal.

Freshman Year 2021

But as scary as it is to step into the unknown, it’s also unbelievably exciting.

Next stop: Grand Rapids, Michigan. A new city. A new adventure. A whole new life. Moving so far from the place I’ve called home feels daunting—like I’m jumping into deep water without knowing exactly what’s beneath the surface. But I know that growth comes from moments like this, from choosing courage over comfort.

There’s something empowering about starting fresh. I’m nervous, yes. But I’m also hopeful. Hopeful for the people I’ll meet, the career I’ll build, and the version of myself that will unfold in this next season.

So here’s to the final month in Knoxville—to soaking it all in, hugging my people a little tighter, and letting myself feel everything fully. And here’s to Grand Rapids—to new beginnings, even when they feel a little scary.

Because isn’t that what makes life beautiful?